Lilly is confident, independent and knows her way around. Whether she’s catching a tram to university or navigating a busy train platform she knows what she is doing and how to do it.

But for a good while something has been happening far too often. Strangers approach her silently and grab her arm, shoulder or even her white cane to “help” her onto public transport.

I know they might mean well. But this isn’t helpful, it’s frightening, disorienting and deeply disrespectful.

Why touching a blind person without consent is wrong

When someone suddenly grabs Lilly:

• She doesn’t know who’s touching her or what’s happening.
• Her guide orientation is disrupted – she loses track of her direction and balance.
• It robs her of autonomy. She’s an adult who knows how to navigate and uninvited touching sends the message that she isn’t capable.
• Most importantly, it’s a violation of personal boundaries. Imagine being unexpectedly pulled by a stranger in a crowded space – it would be alarming for anyone.

Intentions might be good, but impact matters more than intent. What feels like kindness can easily feel like control or fear for the person on the receiving end.

The right way to help a blind person

1. Speak first – never touch
   • Simply say, “Hi, I’m here – would you like a hand getting onto the tram?”
     Wait for a reply. Use your words before your hands.
2. Introduce yourself
   • Say your name and if relevant, your role (“I’m a staff member” “I’m another passenger” etc.).
3. Offer your arm – don’t take theirs
   • If help is accepted then let the person hold your arm, elbow or shoulder at their choice. This allows them to control the movement.
4. Describe the environment
   • A few words go a long way: “There’s a step up to the tram,” or “The train doors will close in about 10 seconds.”
5. Respect Independence
   • If the person says “No thank you,” that’s fine. Don’t insist. Blind people are perfectly capable of doing it themselves.

What Lilly – and others – want you to know

Blindness doesn’t mean helplessness.

Lilly, like many blind Australians, values independence. The best kind of help you can offer is respectful communication.

Next time you see someone with a white cane or guide dog:

• Pause.
• Speak.
• Ask.
• Then act – only with consent.

That small moment of awareness can turn what might be a frightening experience into a moment of genuine connection and kindness.

A final word

If you’d like to learn more then Guide Dogs Australia and Vision Australia both offer excellent resources on how to interact respectfully with people who are blind or have low vision.

Please share this message – especially if you travel by public transport.

A simple “Would you like some help?” is all it takes to make our world more inclusive and safer for everyone.